Researcher and Author, Charles Bell, recently released his new book entitled “Where Did We Go Wrong.” Bell, who is a Detroit-native, graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology, as well as a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Michigan State University. Bell describes “Where Did We Go Wrong” as “a thought provoking book that initiates solution-oriented discussion on the problems that adversely affect Detroit and the majority of the African American community.”

In the foreword of the book Bell states: “I can only wonder how did people who were filled with such pride and determination become so complacent with the sub par quality of housing, education and government services we receive in the inner city. The compelling evidence enclosed in this book will show that we have a serious problem regarding the progress of black men and the overall black community.” Bell also states that the purpose of the book is not to merely criticize and depict flaws in the black community but to “ignite the moral vigor that we have since lost.”
Bell says that his motivation to write this book was a result of doing research while he was in graduate school at Michigan State. He says the information he found through his research made him realize how many problems there were in the African-American Community. Bell said that this discovery led him to ask himself critical questions. “Where did we go wrong – as far as education, incarceration and employment problems?” Bell said. According to Bell, higher education facilities really didn’t make an active effort to disseminate this information to the public, so Bell says that he decided he would.

“Where did we go wrong?” came together over a span of time comprised from assignments and papers, according to Bell, who says he pulled most of his information from those research efforts. Bell says his family, especially his grandmother, was very supportive of this project which took 6 months to complete. According to Bell, his graduate school friends were big influences that impacted the project because they often had “heated” debates about the issues presented in the book. He says those discussions are what initiated his efforts to share the information with the public.

Bell says that the main thing he wants readers to take from his book is the realization that “change is necessary.” He says that “we need change within our own community; we can’t expect the government to make the changes that we need to make ourselves so we have to take responsibility for our own lives and the outcomes we see in our community.” According to Bell, out of the multitude of issues presented in his text, the number one priority to address first is education. He says the reason why is because all the subsequent problematic areas are all the results of a poor education. Bell says once change is implemented in education, there will be drastic changes in other areas as well.

“Where Did We Go Wrong” is available for sale at Marwil, Barnes and Noble and on Amazon.com. Anyone who wants to learn more about the book, or wants to purchase a copy and get it signed, can attend Bell’s book signing at Wayne State University on November 8. He will be in the Student Center dining area from 10 am to 4pm.